Mainland Common Recreation Study (survey)

2002 survey consistent with Build it Right's current position

At the direction of the MCRC Committee HRM hired Nova Research Associates to undertake a survey of residents in the western regions of HRM about recreational facilitiesin June 2002.

Approximately 1,200 questionnaires were sent to households in the western region of HRM including: west end Halifax, Fairview, Clayton Park, Rockingham, Beechville, Lakeside, Timberlea, Hammond's Plains, Tantallon, the Prospect area, and the St. Margaret's Bay area. 594 questionnaires were returned.

Here are some highlights of the results:

• Of the respondents who did not use recreational facilities, 25% cited inconvenient locations.
• Respondents were asked to choose their favourite recreation or leisure activities. Walking was chosen most frequently followed by gardening, swimming, crafts or hobbies, gold, hiking, cardio training and weight training.
• 85% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that providing recreational facilities is a good use of taxpayers' money.
• 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that recreational programs for youth help prevent crime.
• 92% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that HRM should ensure that all communities have recreational opportunities.
• 45% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that HRM should partner with private companies to provide recreational facilities.
• The most important indoor features of a recreation facility in order of importance are a leisure pool, fitness area, indoor track, gymnasium and ice surface.
• The most important non-recreational features of a new recreation facility in order of importance are a childcare centre, a large multi-use room, a doctor's office, a physiotherapy clinic and meeting rooms.
• When asked how a new facility should be paid for, respondents felt that 71% of capital costs should come from the federal, provincial and municipal levels in roughly equal proportions. 13% should come from private fund-raising with businesses and 5% from private fund raising with individuals. Respondents felt that 10% should come from a municipal area rate from the region served by the facility and 1% from other funding sources.

These points largely reflect the vision of Build it Right.